Taking its place among a myriad of tiny boutique hotels in the Keong Saik Road area, Kēsa House is a “flexible living” concept that allows guests to stay on anywhere from one night to months on end. With 60 rooms across three floors of its shop house venue, it’s designed with plenty of communal spaces to encourage social interaction between guests. Sort of like a home away from home, if you will.
When you step through the doors, the check-in counter is part of the elegantly-furnished Affogato Lounge, where you’ll find multiple charging stations for you to get plugged in while you sip on coffee or a cocktail and nibble your way through ice cream, sandwiches, and salads. If you’re up for a spot of cooking, the kitchen comes with two fully equipped work stations and complimentary coffee from local brand Sarnies. Nordaq water is available as well, in reusable glass bottles filled with free-flow still and sparkling varieties.
To watch the sun go down, the outdoor terrace area overlooks the tranquil Duxton Plain Park. And if you’re here for the long haul, there’s a free in-house launderette that’s open 24/7 and a variety of housekeeping options for those who’d like a more environmentally conscious stay.
The brainchild of 8M Collective (the folks behind Ann Siang House), Kēsa House starts its rooming accommodations with Cozy, the most basic one, where you can get comfy in an intimate space. To feel on top of the world – or at least the building – opt for the vaulted ceiling Sky rooms, which come with a skylight perched above your bed.
Those staying longer than a day can check out the Entertain option for a private outdoor terrace that you can host social gatherings in. There’s also the open-plan Studio space, offering a kitchenette, outdoor terrace, and living area with sofa bed, or Urban, which looks out on the bustle of Keong Saik Road.
Speaking of the street, it’s packed with great dining options that range from old school and traditional (Kok Sen Restaurant, Tong Ah Eating House, and Foong Kee Coffee Shop) to cool little eateries (Bread & Hearth, Bao Makers, and Keong Saik Bakery) to classy joints (Burnt Ends, Potato Head, and Cure.)
Within the Kēsa House building, you’ve got The Guild, known for its craft beers, cocktails, and natural wines; The Old Man, a restaurant/bar that pays tribute to Ernest Hemingway; and Mag’s, a chic French spot with wines and sakes. For homestyle Mediterranean grub, check out Olivia Restaurant & Lounge. Plus, all things Italian get a home in Pasta Bar.
The area is nothing if not happening, especially after sunset, so if that’s your kind of scene, perhaps a staycation here is in the cards.
FIND IT:
Kēsa House is at 55 Keong Saik Rd.
Soft opening rates for the Cozy start from S$2,822/month (28 nights), S$729/week (5 nights), and S$153/night.
MRT: Outram Park
